Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Council on Energy, Environment and Water do?

The Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) is one of South Asia’s leading not-for-profit policy research institutions. The Council uses data, integrated analysis, and strategic outreach to explain – and change – the use, reuse, and misuse of resources. It prides itself on the independence of its high-quality research, develops partnerships with public and private institutions, and engages with wider public.

What was the idea behind conceiving CEEW?

The founding board envisioned CEEW as an India-based, globally engaged policy research organisation which would analyse and advise on critical questions on energy, environment and water, not as disparate issues but as inter-connected concerns. These concerns had local impacts, as well as global ramifications. The Council was founded in 2010 to also serve as a platform for people with different skills to come together, pursue their interests and build careers in public policy. Learn more about our journey since 2010, here.

What are CEEW's core values?

At CEEW, we are driven by our three core values – Integrated, International and Independent. These values highlight our commitment to building a special institution. We were founded to integrate issues, in research, policy and action. We observe the world as a whole and believe that our international outlook helps us to serve India better too. And our most prized value is our independence. CEEW takes no institutional positions, separates clients from funding institutions, fosters collaboration, and ensures that all research outputs stay internationally relevant.

How does CEEW get its funding?

We maintain our independence through a diversity of funding sources such as donations and grants from private and philanthropic foundations, multilateral organisations, corporations, and public institutions. At CEEW, we separate clients from funding institutions. Funders are never given the right to final review any of our publications prior to release. Our monitoring and evaluation systems are designed to prevent any conflicts of interest. Here are more details on our donors and FCRA registration.

What does CEEW not do?

At CEEW, we do not compromise on our independence and our integrity. We have no affiliations with any government or political party. We do not take predetermined positions on policy matters, and refuse to comment on any issue until we have examined it ourselves. We also do not stop anyone from trying or pursuing research interests within the scope of our work. Not all research ideas evolve into projects, not all projects result in peer- reviewed publications, and not all big bets succeed. At CEEW, leadership is by initiative. At CEEW, we celebrate failures.

How does CEEW maintain its independence?

Independence is our most cherished value. Without our independence, we are nothing. With it, we have nothing to fear. This has been a core value since the conception of The Council. We do not take institutional positions and we separate clients from funding institutions. We have embraced a ‘no-compromise, non-partisan’ approach in our research and public outreach. Over the years, we have engaged with the highest levels of government (on climate change, energy and environmental governance, water and sanitation, or international negotiations) without letting our editorial independence be compromised. All our research is available in the public domain.

Does CEEW have any affiliations to governments, political parties, universities, or any other organisations?

No. CEEW is not affiliated to any government, political party, university, or any other organisation. While CEEW has strong collaborations with a diverse set of stakeholders, it remains completely independent.

Can you highlight a few of CEEW’s notable research projects?

In nearly eight years of operations, The Council has engaged in more than 200 research projects. Some of our notable projects include India’s largest energy access survey (ACCESS); the 584-page National Water Resources Framework Study for India’s 12th Five Year Plan; India’s first report on global governance, submitted to the National Security Adviser; the first independent assessment of India’s solar mission; the Clean Energy Access Network (CLEAN) of hundreds of decentralised clean energy firms; modelling long-term energy scenarios; developing the strategy for and supporting activities of the International Solar Alliance; designing the Common Risk Mitigation Mechanism, on behalf of 17 countries, to reduce risks in solar investments; advising and contributing to multiple climate negotiations; 200- plus pathways for achieving INDCs and mid-century strategies for decarbonisation; assessing global climate risks; business case and emissions scenarios for phasing down HFCs; monitoring air quality; assessing India’s critical minerals; climate risk assessments; climate geoengineering governance; irrigation reform for Bihar; collective action for water security; and circular economy of water. Know more about the impact of our work.

Does CEEW have a presence beyond Delhi?

Yes. In early 2018, we opened a project office in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The team in Lucknow is currently supporting power sector reforms in the state. Know more about this work here. We also have multiple research projects running across various Indian states and other parts of the world.

Tell me more about the The Council’s team. Can I join your team or apply for an internship?

Young, dynamic, and diverse, The Council’s team, doesn’t accept the status quo. We believe in action. At The Council, we encourage leadership by initiative, not seniority. If you are driven by one belief – public policy, supported by deep analysis, can be a force for good – join us! Know more about current opportunities and our work culture here.

I believe in CEEW and its mission. How can I support CEEW?

CEEW believes in collaborations. You can support us through financial assistance, give a gift in kind, help The Council gain better visibility, and contribute your valuable expertise and talent. We could also explore partnerships on research or strategic outreach. If you have any queries or ideas, contact us now.

Why is CEEW also referred to as The Council?

CEEW is a gathering of minds. It was envisioned as a place where experts and stakeholders would come together to deliberate on evidence, to respect a diversity of views, and to act for results. CEEW is outward-oriented, not insular. It is an institution of learning, a forum for dialogue, and a platform from which to launch solutions. Hence, we chose to call ourselves the ‘Council on Energy, Environment and Water’ or ‘The Council’.

Can you tell me more about the The Council’s Arc of Learning?

The ‘The Council’s Arc of Learning’ is a path of inquiry and initiative that serves as a guiding light for our entire team. It includes seven stages: Identify, Conceptualise, Understand, Convene, Communicate, Support, and Reflect. The Arc is vital to our mission of translating research into action, and adds value to our culture of rigour and analysis. Learn more about ‘The Arc of Learning’ and what we believe in on our careers page.